At night
The moon cast a silver glow through the cracked window, washing the small room in a cold, pale light. Hours had passed since I asked to be left alone.
I finally stepped out, the wooden floor creaking under my feet. Liyu was still there—sitting by the door, waiting silently.
> "Why are you still here?" I asked, my voice quieter than I expected.
She stood up quickly.
> "Your Highness… are you feeling alright? I made some food. Please… have a little. You haven't eaten since you woke up."
The soft aroma of warm rice lingered in the air.
I paused, then nodded slightly.
> "I'm okay. Let's eat together."
She looked surprised—maybe because I hadn't refused. Maybe because I didn't push her away this time.
We sat down. The soft clink of bowls and spoons filled the stillness. We didn't speak. We didn't need to.
The next morning
Sunlight spilled through the windows, catching the dust in the air like falling gold. I walked over to Liyu. Her eyes were alert and focused.
> "You know martial arts, right?"
She nodded slowly, gaze locked onto mine
> "Yes."
> "Then do something for me." I paused. "Go back to Tianxia Guo… and find out everything. I need answers."
She bowed slightly, the morning light brushing her face.
> "Yes, Your Highness."
> "You don't have to call me that anymore."
She blinked.
> "Then… can I call you Master?"
> "Master?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You know a person can only have one master in their lifetime."
Her eyes softened with quiet loyalty.
> "I know. That's why I'm choosing you. Can I?"
I hesitated—then nodded once.
> "Only if you return with the truth."
She smiled, and with a final bow, she disappeared into the rising light of morning.
Two weeks later
The wind outside had grown restless by the time I heard her voice again.
> "Master, where are you? I'm back."
I stepped out of my room.
> "Are you alright? Did you learn anything?"
She smiled, a little tired but steady.
> "I'm completely fine. And yes—I have a lot to tell you. Let's talk inside."
The door creaked softly as we entered. I poured her a cup of water, which she gratefully accepted.
She knelt on the floor before me, her expression now serious, composed.
> "When I reached Tianxia Guo… the city was in chaos. The Emperor is dead."
The words crashed over me like a wave. My heart froze.
> "Everyone suspects Prince Xiao. They think he did it—for the throne. He's in prison now."
> "No," I whispered. "My brother could never do something like that…"
I clenched my fists.
> "Then… if he's imprisoned—who took the throne?"
Her next words felt like a dagger.
> "Bai Long. The Crown Prince of Longshan. Your fiancé. He claimed it in your name."
> "What?" My voice trembled. "He… didn't even try to help my brother?"
Liyu's silence was answer enough.
The weight of betrayal settled on my chest like stone.